How the Rise of Fake News Started

“Fake news”—hoax websites, dramatic or shocking headline links written primarily to get people to click on them, deceptive images, poor reporting and misinformation—has been portrayed by the mainstream media as a new problem that exploded in recent months, largely due to social media, political bias, and the election. But fake news actually dates back to the 1950s—with the UFO craze—and its rise began, at least in part, with the alternative medicine movement in the Western World—long before Twitter and online ad programs.

Some “fake news” is conspiracy focused—involving actual research and reporting, but designed to lead the reader/listener to a certain conclusion. Other “fake news” is driven solely by profit and contains very little research or reporting. This type, which often relies on shocking headlines and altered images to generate clicks and shares—boosting revenue, stems from alternative health sites that developed in the 2000s. Alternative health sites developed out of paranoia and mistrust surrounding government organizations like the CDC, big pharma, vaccination programs, GMOs, etc.

Fake health news can be especially dangerous—articles may be based in quackery and often are designed to sell supplements and other alternative treatments. These sites include Mercola and Natural News, which cover pseudoscientific health topics and present information that may be unreliable while selling alternative medical products. Producers of these sites claim the “fake news” narrative pushed by the mainstream media is undermining their efforts to provide alternative news to health care consumers.

Sleep Drug May Help Fight Food Addiction

According to a recent study, modafinil—a drug approved to treat sleep disorders such as sleep apnea, shift work disorder, and narcolepsy—shows promise for obesity fueled by an addiction to food. Researchers found the drug reduces impulsive behavior.

The exact mechanism of action is unknown, but modafinil (Provigil) may promote wakefulness by altering neurotransmitters in the brain, including serotonin—which regulates sleep and wakefulness—and dopamine—which is involved in reward and addiction. Research has shown that people with food addiction may lack specific forms of dopamine and eat uncontrollably in an attempt to compensate for this. (Eating can trigger the release of dopamine.)

The study enrolled 60 healthy men between the ages of 19 and 32. One group was given modafinil, one was giving an ADHD medication called atomoxetine, and the control group was given a placebo. According to researchers, the group that was given modafinil showed a significant reduction in impulsivity and an increase in self-control.

Carrie Fisher Dies Following Heart Attack

Carrie Fisher—beloved actress and Star War’s Princess Leia—died on Tuesday, December 27th after suffering a heart attack four days earlier. Fisher, who was 60 years old, had fought years of addiction and discussed her drug problems, as well as her battle with bipolar disorder, openly.

Although the cause for her heart attack is unknown at this time, Fisher’s death at such a relatively young age has raised questions about how prior drug use can affect heart health. According to Fisher, she began smoking marijuana at the age of 13 and abused cocaine and LSD by the time she was 21.

Studies published by the American Heart Association show that cocaine—which is a stimulant—can affect the heart. The drug increases the demand for oxygen to the heart by raising blood pressure and heart rate, but decreases the flow of blood and oxygen to the heart by constricting blood vessels. This combination of effects can result in an enlarged heart.